Conformation Showing and Ringcraft
What is Conformation Showing and Ringcraft?
Ringcraft is the training classes that prepare you and your dog for shows. You will learn how to get your dog to stand and move in the ring and get it used to being handled. You will understand the breed standard and how judging is done. Ringcraft classes normally start with puppy/beginner before you go through to a show. Ringcraft clubs will have competitions known as matches at their club to get you and your dog used to a show environment.
Once you feel you and your dog are ready you can enter into shows. Showing is the most popular form of canine competition in the UK. It is a form of canine beauty contest. At shows the dogs are compared to the breed standard to find the nearest to the ideal as possible. Your dog will not just be judged on the breed standard, but on the preparation and presentation. Dogs (D) and Bitches (B) are judged separately.
What Types of Shows are there?
There are a number of types of shows that you can enter depending on each shows stipulations.
Exemption Shows. This is generally four classes for pedigrees and several classes for anyone. Any purebred dog in the pedigree class can enter even if not kennel club registered. You can enter as long as your dog hasn’t been awarded a CC or RCC.
Limit Shows. Dogs with CC’s or RRC’s are not allowed to compete in this show. All registered dogs can compete in this show in a variety of classes. They are in the same ring and are judged on their own breed standard.
Open Shows. This is similar to Limit Show but the difference is dogs compete against their own breed initially. The winners of each class will then compete for best of breed and best puppy in the breed. The best in breeds compete in their own groups and then the winner’s of each group compete for best in show.
Single Breed Shows. As the name suggests this show is just for single breeds. As such it can attract experienced competitors so you may learn a lot about your breed.
Championship Shows. This is the most prestigious show where you may be able to qualify for crufts. CC’s and tickets are available, CC’s are the highest award a dog can gain. If your dog is awarded three CC’s under three different judges it is entitled to be known as champion or in the case of Gundogs and Border Collies they can be known as show champion.
What are the Classes?
Classes are categories in which you can compete depending on the dogs age and experience. Classes start at a basic level and progress up to an experienced level. Some classes have stipulations for entering such as certain qualifications, and others do not. It is better to progress up the classes with time to give your dog a better chance and more experience.
Minor Puppy (Mp). For puppies of 6-9 months of age.
Puppy (P). For dogs 9-12 months.
Junior (J). For dogs 12-18 months.
Yearling (Y) or Special Yerling (SY). For dogs 6-24 months. Winners of this class aren’t eligible to enter crufts.
Novice (N). For dogs that haven’t won a junior class or above. A dog cannot enter crufts if this is the only class the dog has been placed in.
Graduate (G). For dogs that haven’t won a CC or four or more 1st prizes in graduate, post graduate, minor limit, mid limit, limit or open classes.
Post Graduate (PG). For dogs that have won 5 or more 1st prizes in graduate, post graduate, minor limit, mid limit, limit or open classes.
Limit (L). For dogs that haven’t won three CC’s under three different judges at championship shows in limit and open classes.
Open (O). For any dog especially those not eligible for other classes due to having to many wins.
Veteran (V). For dogs over 7years on the first day of the show.
What is Show Terminology?
Show terminology is the abbreviations of titles that the dogs achieve and names of other items such as equipment etc.
BIS Best in show. BIG Best in group BOS Best opposite sex
BOB Best of breed BPS Best puppy in show BPB Best puppy in breed
BPG Best puppy on group RCC Reserve challenge certificate
CC Challenge certificate
Green Star Irish equivalent to the CC
Junior Warrant Gained by dog acquiring points when winning classes by the age of 18 months.
Junior Handling Competition for people under the age of 18 years old.
KCJO Kennel Club Junior Officer
Studbook Number Dogs achieve this by winning a Limit Class
NAF Name applied for. TAF Transfer of ownership applied for. Affix the name of the kennels/breeder applied for through the kennel club.
Stacking A method of standing the dog. Pacing A from of energy saving movement by the dog, inhibits the judge assessing the correct movement.
Gait The stride and reach of the dogs legs in movement.
Baiting The use of foods or toys to gain the dogs attention.
Double Handling When a person outside the ring attracts the dogs attention to make them stand still and look attentive.
Benching What the dogs rest on when not being shown.
Preparation
Before you go to a show you should prepare your dog to the standard that is required. If you have a dog with a long coat that is presented in a certain style you will need to make sure that this is done to perfection. Any grooming and clipping should be done before you leave for a show although some people do final trim and a quick brush before going into the ring. You should make yourself aware of the Kennel Clubs regulations regarding preparing your dog for exhibition.
Another thing to take into consideration is clothing. You should wear something practical and smart. You may be standing for a few hours and will have to walk and jog in the ring. Take into consideration the weather if the show is outside. Also you need to consider the dog. If you wear clothes that may flap about it might distract the dog. Think about the colour of your outfit to compliment the colour of the dog.
Rules and Regulations and Contacts
Up to date copies of the rules for the UK are available from the Kennel Club as are contact details.
